Wildfire restaurants – a chain of eateries with locations in Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia and Georgia – sent a letter earlier this month to the owners of Wildfire Brewery informing them that they were in violation of a trademarked title. The letter strongly suggested that the brewery changes its name within six months, said Paul Cook, a co-owner and brewer for Wildfire.

Rather than take the issue to court, Cook said the Bend suds producer opted to change their business name….

As for a new name to replace Wildfire, Cook said he and his business partners currently have a list of five they are trying to narrow down. The owners of Wildfire Brewery – which opened in April 2007 – are also reaching out the public for help creating a new name. Fliers are being distributed throughout Central Oregon where patrons can write down what they think should be a new name for the brewery. If Wildfire Brewery owners choose one of the names suggested, the individual who creates it will be given a free kegerator.

Their beer production hasn’t been impinged at all, fortunately, and the overall impact isn’t as serious as it could be: the lion’s share of changes will be to the tap handles they have around town.